UK Train Disaster: Two Severely Injured in Lewes Derailment

A major incident unfolded in East Sussex when a train derailed near Lewes railway station, resulting in severe injuries to two people. The incident occurred at approximately 3:55 pm, with emergency services swiftly responding to the scene. The train, which was traveling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, is believed to have had three of its eight carriages overturned, leaving passengers trapped inside. Images from the scene depicted people standing on carriages that had fallen onto their sides in a countryside area. Footage from inside the train showed a carriage swaying violently before passengers were thrown from their seats. According to the South East Coast Ambulance, two people sustained serious injuries and were taken to major trauma centers. 'Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals for further treatment and care,' a spokesperson for the ambulance service said. British Transport Police reported that 18 people suffered less serious injuries. While several passengers were initially trapped, all had been safely evacuated by 7:30 pm. The incident has been declared a 'major incident,' with a significant emergency response ongoing. Eastbourne's MP, Josh Babarinde, was informed that one of his constituents suffered injuries to their ribs. Rob Bradley, a passenger who was traveling with his six-year-old daughter, Mabel, described the moment the train 'felt like it was speeding up and starting to rock.' Bradley recalled that the train 'jumped vertically upwards,' at which point they knew it was a derailment. 'The emergency brakes went on, and everything got thrown forward,' he said. Bradley and his daughter remained on the train for about an hour and a half after the incident, describing the scene as 'pandemonium for a while.' Yana Ludwig, who was traveling alone, told reporters that after hearing banging, everything 'just went topsy-turvy.' The 56-year-old said she had been propped up over another passenger and was now 'pretty banged up.' She estimated that it took around 20 minutes for emergency services to arrive, saying the location appeared difficult for responders to reach. The cause of the derailment has not yet been established, with investigators expected to examine the condition of the track and determine what caused the train to leave the rails.